SHEIKH Hamdan of Dubai, who won eight races with Soft Falling Rain, would have been pleased to see Mawsool win a 1000m contest under Randall Simons at the Vaal on Thursday.

Two-year-old Mawsool, bred by Dr Ian Heyns, is the first progeny of the sadly deceased sire to win for the Sheikh and would have brought back many a good memory.

Mawsool.

Mawsool got to the front easily but had to driven out late to win from two flying challengers and Mathew de Kock commented: “We expected her to win, she only held on late but she’s a filly bred to go over further, there is plenty of stamina in her female line.”

A R500,000 purchase from the Cape Premier Sale, Mawsool is a first foal of Imperial Rose, by Jet Master.

Also impressive was newcomer Fired Up (Gavin Lerena), a flashy son of Rock Of Gibraltar and a Galileo mare who won his Maiden debut by 2.30-lengths, going away.

Fired Up.

Fired Up also cost half-a-million, though he was sold at the BSA National Sale and syndicated to Mike de Kock, Dave Maclean, Chris Hayes, Gary Grant, Dr John and Amanda McVeigh and Noeline Malherbe.

Fired Up didn’t beat much, but he could only win and did so in easy fashion, signalling more to come. “He looks smart, should go on,” said Mathew.